A Tough Defeat To Take

TONY PULIS says that there is absolutely no sense of panic within the Stoke City dressing room . . . despite Saturday’s undeserved defeat at Everton leaving his side just four points above the relegation zone.

Belgian Kevin Mirallas’ first-half strike proved enough to secure the Toffees all three points in an encounter that the Potters will feel aggrieved not to have taken at least a point from.

Jonathan Walters, Robert Huth and Ryan Shotton all spurned glorious opportunities for the visitors, leaving the City boss a frustrated spectator as his side slipped to fourth defeat in five league games.

“We haven’t played many games where we haven’t created any chances, and that was the case again today,” he said following the encounter.

“Obviously it is a bit of a worry, because we had more than enough chances to have got a point from the game, or even won it.

“You sometimes have a run of games where these things can happen, and unfortunately for us, we are on one of those runs right now.

“You just have to make sure that the lads remain confident and believe in their ability.

“We have come here today and played against a very good Everton side, who I have always said will challenge for a top-four spot this season, and we feel aggrieved to be leaving here with nothing.”

The Potters host Aston Villa at the Britannia Stadium next weekend, and Pulis is calling upon the supporters to turn out in force and help his side to record what would be a huge victory.

“We need our fans behind us as much as ever for that game,” he added. “They make the difference for us, there is absolutely no doubt about that.

“I said the other day that our four home games will dictate things for us, and I stick by that.

“We aren’t panicking here though; I have said all along that this will be a tough season for us. We need a win, and we will do everything we can to make sure that we get that against Aston Villa next weekend.”